Chapter 157: Let the Bullets Fly a While Longer!
As expected, the moment Li Ang mentioned the Cuban cartel, Myers' expression darkened immediately. It wasn't because she was afraid this ragtag group would threaten her rule but because these troublesome criminal organizations were indeed a hidden threat to the rise of New America. They needed to be completely eradicated.
"Yes, those Cubans have been quite active in North America recently. Even several senior intelligence agents from the Central Intelligence Agency have been killed by them. But they won't be arrogant for much longer."
As she said this, a faint, sinister smile crept onto Myers' cold face. She spoke candidly to Li Ang about her upcoming plans:
"Once we've achieved unification, I will launch a new round of wars in Central America. What President kress failed to accomplish, I will finish for him!"
"Those damned Cubans will pay a heavy price for their despicable actions. I guarantee it."
Myers showed an indifferent expression, as if crushing a mere bug. If she weren't busy dealing with the rebels now, she'd already have led her troops south.
Seeing her determination, Li Ang couldn't deny that Myers was indeed a decisive and bold leader, though overly militaristic.
She hadn't even fully secured North America yet, and she was already contemplating an invasion of Central America. With such a major client, any arms company could rise to become a giant.
Li Ang said nothing further about Myers' plans. He turned his gaze to the battlefield outside the window, deep in thought.
Through the thick clouds and rising smoke, Li Ang vaguely saw silver war machines, transformed into a steel flood, crashing against the brown soil and crimson flesh.
The grand metallic war seemed to be reaching its conclusion, yet North America's situation remained murky and fraught with hidden turmoil.
"Let the bullets fly a while longer."
---
Night City, Watson, Coastal Docks
"This is as far as you go, V."
Disguised as a civilian, Goro Takemura halted V. Looking at the figure of V—someone he hadn't met many times but felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity with—Takemura felt deeply moved.
He hadn't expected that, in the end, it would be V escorting him.
All the other Arasaka Lone Wolves had either defected to Yorinobu Arasaka for survival or perished in his massacre.
Now, of the hundred-member Lone Wolves created by Saburo Arasaka, only Takemura remained loyal to Saburo and Hanako.
"When you get to Chiba City, settle down as an ordinary man. Open a small business. Don't think about crossing paths with Yorinobu anymore."
Seeing Takemura in his current pitiful state, V couldn't help but sigh. Half his life was saved by Takemura's desperate efforts.
So, when he saw Takemura being hunted by Yorinobu's people because V hadn't helped him testify, leaving Hanako injured and comatose, he couldn't help feeling guilty.
If he had helped Takemura, perhaps the outcome would have been different.
"V, perhaps one day, I will return to Night City. As for Yorinobu, the true patricide, I will never let him go!"
"As long as the spirit of Bushido resides in my heart, I will never give up on avenging Lord Saburo!"
Takemura growled. Since Saburo's death, his sole purpose in life was to avenge his master.
He had managed to escape to Chiba City, Japan, thanks to Li Ang's covert assistance.
Li Ang instructed him to stay hidden in Chiba City and await further orders, forbidding him from acting rashly before the time was right.
Takemura willingly obeyed Li Ang's command, hoping to leverage LA Corporation's power to preserve Hanako Arasaka's last chance at reclaiming power.
As long as she lived, there was hope.
"Take care, Takemura."
V knew there was no convincing this loyal Arasaka hound. Takemura's devotion bordered on foolishness, but it was also a rare virtue.
Everyone had their own path. V couldn't judge Takemura's values but could only pray silently for him.
"Goodbye, V."
With those words, Takemura turned and boarded the LA Corporation transport ship bound for Japan. With the LA logo on the ship, Arasaka's guards wouldn't conduct a thorough inspection, allowing Takemura to safely reach Chiba City.
As the transport ship disappeared into the distance, V composed himself and prepared to dive back into work.
This mission was a direct order from Li Ang himself. To minimize external variables, V decided to work alone—no Jackie, no Panam, just him.
---
V's next target was the Voodoo Boys, a group of Haitian hackers operating out of the Pacifica area. Li Ang's task for him was to insert a matrix chip into their "Sea God Subnet."
Although this task seemed straightforward, the difficulty lay in accomplishing it unnoticed—a significant challenge for someone like V, who was accustomed to fighting head-on.
After a series of stealthy moves and precise strikes, V finally reached the hidden server room. He swiftly inserted the chip into the main console and completed the mission without being detected.
As the system confirmed the upload, V exhaled in relief.
"Strong Johnny, the mission's done. Li Ang better be pleased," V muttered, shaking off the tension.
Despite his usual chaotic path, V had managed to execute this operation with finesse.
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